7 safari lodges
    Pantanal & Western Rivers, Brazil
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Parque Nacional das Emas

    A UNESCO World Heritage site protecting a significant portion of the Cerrado biome, known for its vast grasslands and termite mounds. It's one of the best places to see giant anteaters, maned wolves, rheas, and a spectacular display of bioluminescent termites during the wet season.

    Best timeMay to September (dry season) for the Pantanal and Cerrado wildlife. Year-round for the Amazon.
    Species
    42
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    7
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Parque Nacional das Emas Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The South American Big 5

    2 of 5 found in Parque Nacional das Emas

    Jaguar
    Giant Anteater
    Giant Otter
    Tapir
    Capybara

    Recent sightings at Parque Nacional das Emas

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    42 species recorded in Parque Nacional das Emas3 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Parque Nacional das Emas

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Parque Nacional das Emas

    When planning your Brazilian safari, we always advise considering the Pantanal for its unparalleled jaguar sightings, especially from April through August during the dry season. The Amazon basin,...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal
    Planning & reference

    We love Parque Nacional das Emas for its unparalleled Cerrado experience, offering a glimpse into Brazil's often-overlooked savanna. The chance to witness giant anteaters in their natural habitat, alongside the truly magical bioluminescent termite mounds after a good rain, makes this park an unforgettable, almost otherworldly destination. It's a place where nature's subtle wonders truly shine.

    Gate Times

    The park generally opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We strongly recommend booking your visit and guide well in advance, especially during the dry season (May to September) when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Access is typically restricted to guided tours in authorized 4x4 vehicles, so plan accordingly with a reputable tour operator. There are no seasonal variations in opening hours, but specific activities like night drives for bioluminescence require special permits and arrangements.

    Tipping

    While tipping culture in Brazil is less structured than in East Africa, we always encourage showing appreciation for excellent service. For a dedicated guide on a full-day tour, we suggest R$100-R$200 per vehicle, depending on the length and quality of the experience. If you interact with other park staff who go above and beyond, a smaller token of R$20-R$50 is appropriate. Always tip discreetly and in local currency.

    Dress Code

    We advise light, breathable clothing in neutral colours like khaki, olive, or grey to blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects. Long sleeves and trousers are essential for sun protection and to guard against ticks and mosquitoes, especially during walks. Evenings can be surprisingly cool, particularly during the dry season, so a light jacket or fleece is a must-pack. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip are non-negotiable for any excursions outside the vehicle.

    Photography

    Parque Nacional das Emas offers unique photographic opportunities, from the iconic giant anteaters and rheas to the stunning termite mounds. We recommend a telephoto lens (300mm or more) for wildlife and a wide-angle for the vast Cerrado landscapes. A sturdy tripod is invaluable for low-light shots, particularly if you're hoping to capture the ethereal glow of the bioluminescent termite mounds after rain. Drones are strictly prohibited to protect wildlife and maintain the park's tranquility.

    Etiquette

    Respecting the wildlife and their habitat is paramount here. Always remain in your vehicle unless instructed by your guide during designated walking areas. Keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing animals and other visitors, allowing for a more authentic wildlife encounter. Never feed animals or leave any litter. We believe in leaving no trace, ensuring this pristine Cerrado ecosystem remains untouched for future generations.

    What to Bring

    Binoculars
    Wide-brimmed hat
    High-SPF sunscreen
    Strong insect repellent (DEET recommended)
    Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
    Long trousers
    Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
    Light jacket or fleece
    Reusable water bottle
    Camera with telephoto lens and spare batteries
    Small backpack for day trips
    Personal first-aid kit with any necessary medications

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    Parque Nacional das Emas Reviews